Tanzania
Arusha
Despite being small, Arusha accommodates 570 registered bird species, amongst others the Saddle-Billed Stork, Heronsand Touracos. Other than birds, Arusha is also a natural habitat for a large number of butterflies.
Lake Manyara
Lake Manyara is a shallow soda lake. This lake has become a habitat for many fresh water birds like Pelicans. The National Park is home to about 450 bird species. Many different flowers grow under the canopy of the forest, which attracts a huge number of butterflies.
Tarangire
The Tarangire is a small park along the Tarangire River. Despite its small space, the Tarangire National Park is home to a large number of birds. More than 550 registered species can be found here, nearly 1/3rd of the bird species found in Tanzania. Many migratory birds nest here. The forests are home to Hoopoes, Hornbills, Parrots, Rollers, Owls and Plovers. The Silale Swamps are located in the north: this area holds many Tawny Eagles and Ospreys. Here you can also observe the Giant Heron, White Pelican and the Sacred Ibis.
Mikumi
The Mikumi National Park borders the Selous Game Reserve. The Mikumi National Park is home to over 400 species of bird. Along the banks of the Mkata River estuary, many Eurasian migratory birds can be spotted between October and April. You can also observe many Bustards, Hammerheads, Hornbills, Bateleurs, the Saddle-Billed Stork, Geeks, Rollers and the Malachite Kingfisher.
Serengeti
The Serengeti which lies behind the Tarangire National Park is an area home to the largest bird populations in Africa: more than 520 registered bird species, amongst others, 6 different Vultures and 34 different Raptors. Also Kori-Bustards, Ostriches and Secretary birds can be spotted here. Several other species are found along the Seronera River.
Ngorongoro
Despite the fact that Ngorongoro does not offer many different kinds of birds like Tarangire and the Serengeti, Ngorongoro is a very interesting destination for bird-watchers. In the Ngorongoro Parks you can find Egyptian Vultures and the Verreux’ Eagle. In the Empakaai soda Lakes you can find the Kori Bustard and small Flamingos.
Mafia Island
The Mafia Archipelago islands are located near the coast, to the south of Dar es Salaam, par with the Rifiji delta.
It is a very interesting area for bird-watchers, home to 130 species of birds, amongst others the Crab Plover, Rollers, Bee-Eaters and Herons. On the Mafia Island you can sign up for a special bird-watchers nature walk.